MSc by Research in Chemical and Process Engineering - Sustainable Systems and Processes

University of Leeds

Sustainable systems and processes seek to improve the efficiency with which natural resources are used to meet human needs for chemical products and services. It includes the development of future process technology, the use of alternative resources or new reaction routes, and the design and operation of systems such that they use energy and resources more sustainably. Sustainable process engineering is a multidisciplinary approach and is relevant to a wide range of industrial sectors. It impacts on each step in the production, manufacture and use of materials and chemical feedstocks and recovery & disposal of wastes. The sustainable processing of materials requires a wide understanding of chemical processes, and of the required energy and utilities supporting them. A whole systems approach can support understanding of the environmental, safety, economic, social and sustainability aspects of new technologies and processes, and can include entire product life cycle management, material reuse and waste reduction. By applying a systems understanding, policies and interventions can be explored that would support embedding sustainable technologies in existing systems at different scales (single organisational, local and national).